Essential Apps for Visiting and Living in Japan

Apps

Posted: Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Taking a trip to or within Japan any time soon? Are you looking for an app or two to help with navigating around Japan, assisting with language barriers, identifying touristy ideas, or just making life a little easier while you're here? In this article you can find great apps for that.

Using Your Phone in Japan

Before traveling to Japan, it's important to check with your mobile service provider to understand any potential roaming fees or restrictions. Depending on your plan, using your phone in Japan can be expensive. To avoid unexpected charges, consider alternative options such as purchasing a local SIM card or renting a pocket WiFi device.

Buying a SIM card in Japan

If you prefer using a Japanese SIM card, several retailers offer English-language support and services tailored for international visitors. For more details, please refer to our Buying a SIM Card in Japan page.

Best Travel Apps for Japan

Japan Travel by NAVITIME

Japan Travel by NAVITIME is available for both iOS and Android, this comprehensive app offers features such as travel guides, route planning, offline maps, and itinerary creation. It’s highly recommended for navigating Japan efficiently. You can also browse their official website for more travel information.

Japan Transit Planner

Japan Transit Planner is ideal for navigating Japan’s extensive train and public transportation system. It provides detailed route searches, station timetables, and fare information. Available for both iOS and Android.

GuruNavi - Finding Restaurants in Japan

GuruNavi is a popular app for finding restaurants across Japan. Available in English for iOS and Android, it lets you search by location, cuisine, budget, and user reviews. You can also explore options via the GuruNavi's website.

Best Apps for Living in Japan

For those staying in Japan long-term, there are many useful apps for everyday life—whether it's for emergency alerts, earthquake notifications, taxi booking, or translation.

The Best App for Learning Japanese

Whether you're a beginner or at an advanced level, there are excellent apps for learning Japanese, including dictionaries, grammar tools, and interactive lessons. Check out our curated list on the Best Apps for Learning Japanese page.